Can I be charged for attempting to call emergency?

[agabba]

One of my friends was really sick and upset. Next day he did not respond to text or calls. We almost called emergency in the evening but he called back right in time. Now he's really mad and says that I tried to force him to hospital and I committed a crime for harassment.

(NY)

 

[quincy]

One of my friends was really sick and upset. Next day he did not respond to text or calls. We almost called emergency in the evening but called back right in time. Now he's really mad and says that I tried to force him to hospital and I committed a crime for harassment.

(NY)

Your friend should be thanking you for showing concern for his well-being. He has no case for harassment, based strictly on what you have said here.

 

[xylene]

Something you 'almost' did is not a crime.

Calling Emergency Services for someone you believe is in danger to themselves or other people and you really reasonably believe that is not harassment either.

 

[agabba]

Your friend should be thanking you for showing concern for his well-being. He has no case for harassment, based strictly on what you have said here.

Under what circumstances would it be criminal? He claims what I did to him caused immense distress

 

[quincy]

Under what circumstances would it be criminal? He claims what I did to him caused immense distress

It could rise to the level of harassment if you actually call the police or EMTs on a regular basis to do welfare checks.

A single "thought' of calling is nowhere close to harassment.

 

[HighwayMan]

Now he's really mad and says that I tried to force him to hospital and I committed a crime for harassment.

Ignore your "friend", he's wrong.

If he is that bothered by your concern maybe it's time to end the "friendship".

 

[eerelations]

Under what circumstances would it be criminal? He claims what I did to him caused immense distress

What did you do to him? Thinking about calling 911 isn't doing anything to anyone...

 

[bcr229]

What did you do to him? Thinking about calling 911 isn't doing anything to anyone...

Maybe the friend is upset that the OP called/texted repeatedly because he was worried.

I agree that you should move on and find other friends if that's how he's going to act.

 

[Gail in Georgia]

Most folks (including your friend) haven't a clue what harassment is anyway.

The term tends to be tossed around like underwear on a laundry line in a big wind. Just gum flapping.

Gail

 

[CdwJava]

If the police can respond for welfare checks on calls where students vent to social media or via text they are stressed during midterms and want to kill themselves, then THINKING about calling is not a problem at all. And, yes, University police get those calls all the time.